<p>Academically and in terms of the environment I think Hamilton is great. But I am concerned about the location. I am reading, mapping, etc. and it seems that the school is truly isolated. There are posts of students saying that you really need a car if you want some freedom.</p>
<p>Is that the general perception? There is no real town to speak of and very little to do off campus?</p>
<p>This would be a great environment for some, but for those who would like: occasional interaction with students from other colleges, a town or city within a reasonable distance to roam around it, and a school where you will not need a car during college...
Well, then am I reading things right that Hamilton would not be a good fit?</p>
<p>Have you visited Colgate from Hamilton College? Google says 30 minutes and I have driven it in less. No doubt many Hamilton College students have friends at Colgate (which for the uninitiated and direction finder is in Hamilton, NY). </p>
<p>There is a (very) small town right down the street from campus. However in all honesty I think most students would say that there is so much going on on campus that they don’t feel a real need to go out to a city. Keep in mind that if a school is truly isolated then they are probably aware of that and would provide a multitude of social events/options. </p>
<p>I would definitely visit and be sure to ask students what they think about the area.</p>
<p>The town of New Hartford is about 5 miles from campus, pop. 22,000. There are a bunch of chain restaurants, some shopping, and movie theater. So, there are places to go off campus. Hamilton is certainly not located in a metro area, however, it is not 20 miles from civilization either.</p>
<p>I always give conservative travel times … different people drive differently … different speeds … bathroom breaks … could be rain, snow, ice, etc.</p>